South Sudan’s Oil Industry
The board of directors of the National Petroleum and Gas Corporation of South Sudan (NILEPET) has tasked its newly appointed Managing Director, Eng. Bernard Amuor, with the responsibility of reforming the state-owned oil firm.
The decision was made during a board meeting held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. The board members were impressed with the record of accomplishment and credentials of Eng. Amuor and believed that he had the skills and expertise necessary to lead NILEPET towards a new era of efficiency, transparency, and profitability.
NILEPET is responsible for managing South Sudan’s oil resources, which are a critical source of revenue for the young nation. However, the company has been plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency, which have hampered its ability to effectively manage the oil sector.
The appointment of Eng. Amuor is seen as a key step towards reforming the oil sector in South Sudan. Eng. Amuor has over 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.
Eng. Amuor’s appointment comes at a critical time for the oil industry in South Sudan. The country’s oil production has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global oil price slump, leading to a significant reduction in government revenue. In addition, the country is still recovering from the effects of the civil war, which left much of its infrastructure in ruins.
Eng. Amuor has stated that his priority will be to improve the efficiency and transparency of NILEPET’s operations, including streamlining the procurement process, implementing better financial management practices, and reducing waste and corruption. He has also pledged to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy for the oil sector that will benefit all South Sudanese.
Industry experts and civil society groups, who believe that his appointment is a step towards addressing the systemic problems that have plagued NILEPET and the oil industry in South Sudan for years, have welcomed the appointment of Eng. Amuor.